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WTTW awarded $5,000 grant by Illinois Humanities Council

IHC funding to help with distribution of a school curriculum for "10 Buildings That Changed America"

For immediate release
Chicago, IL - June 18, 2013

WTTW is pleased to announce that the station has been awarded a $5,000 grant by the Illinois Humanities Council to support the distribution of a school curriculum for 10 Buildings that Changed America, WTTW's latest architectural tour program hosted by Geoffrey Baer. The critically acclaimed 60-minute special, which focused on ten groundbreaking American structures and how their design continues to influence our daily lives, premiered nationally on PBS in May 2013.

In conjunction with the program, which also has a comprehensive and robust web site, WTTW developed a multidisciplinary curriculum for grades 6-12, including sophisticated lesson plans incorporating the core subjects of English Language Arts, Social Studies, Art, Mathematics, and Science. Students will use the curriculum to research and write about historic landmarks, propose architectural solutions for their communities, and take measurements about building's structural qualities. IHC funds will support work to identify educators in Illinois and other cities featured in the film to ensure widespread awareness and use of the curriculum in classrooms.

About WTTW
For almost 60 years, audiences have turned to WTTW for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates, and entertains. WTTW reaches 1.5 million weekly households over a four-state area, making it the most-watched public television station in America.  Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs, and children's programming across its four distinct television channels:  WTTW11, WTTW Prime, its Spanish-language channel WTTW V-me, and WTTW Create, its “how-to” channel.  For more information, please visit wttw.com.

About the Illinois Humanities Council
The Illinois Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. The IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.